EIBTM restructures Association Program for new focus

European, Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings (EIBTM), a global event being held Nov. 18-20 in Spain, received assistance from the international association industry to strategically develop its annual dedicated Association Program for hosted buyers.

“Listening to our Advisory Board, investing in research and providing more time on the show floor are all key to why we are dedicating time to structure this year’s Association Program around their needs and those of the exhibitors. We are hearing that time is key, meetings matter and networking is a vital ingredient to the show experience. We are to give more time in Barcelona for every Association Buyer, flexible travel arrangements, a new dedicated afternoon of education streams plus of course the usual networking, and opportunity for one to one appointment time, and we will be announcing the full program over the coming months, so watch this space,” said Graeme Barnett, senior exhibition director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, EIBTM.

Strategy development included a focus group meeting in London, consulting with European association event planners to help shape the buyers’ program.

The independently run focus group research combined current association sector attendees and potential buyers, aiming to consult with these representatives to shape how their time would be best spent at EIBTM as well as what they would look for across the IBTM portfolio of events.

Research results will help determine the design of this year’s EIBTM Association Program and demonstrate how integral association meetings are to destinations, venues and the supplier community.